Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Ayingba, has secured full approval from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to commence its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, marking a major milestone in medical education for Kogi State.

The approval followed a successful two-day advisory visit by MDCN officials to the university.

According to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the development comes shortly after the National Universities Commission (NUC) re-approved the MBBS programme at PAAU, paving the way for the resumption of medical training after years of suspension.

“With MDCN’s clearance now secured, the university is authorised to admit its first cohort of 50 medical students for the 2025/2026 academic session, beginning in October,” Fanwo stated.

Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, described the approval as a “game-changer” for healthcare and medical education in the state.

“This marks the reactivation of medical training in PAAU and reinforces the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare education,” he said, appreciating the political support of the state government in achieving the milestone.

Dr. Adams noted that the approval builds on the ongoing MBBS programme at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, and hinted at further expansion.

“First CUSTECH, now PAAU, and very soon Kogi State University, Kabba. We are building a future where Kogi will not just produce doctors but will become a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery and education,” he added.

The reinstatement of the MBBS programme at PAAU is expected to boost local medical training, address healthcare workforce shortages, and improve health outcomes across the state.